Thottam church organises vegetable market with interfaith harmony

UDUPI: On the occasion of the Christian harvest festival Monthi Fest, a special organic vegetable fair was organised on Sunday at St Anne's Church, Thottam near Malpe, to support local farmers.

Farmers from Thottam, Tenkanidiyur, Badanidiyur, and Malpe brought organic vegetables such as okra, cucumber, spinach, beans, and others to sell directly without middlemen. Many people visited and purchased fresh organic produce.Speaking on the occasion, Parish Priest Fr. Denis D’Sa said the initiative aimed to ensure farmers get fair prices without middlemen and to encourage people to consume organic, chemical-free vegetables.

He emphasised that nature’s blessings are for all religions alike, and when such celebrations happen with interfaith participation, they help build a harmonious society. The Sarva Dharma Samanvaya Committee also joined hands in the event.The initiative was jointly supported by Thottam Church Laity Commission and Catholic Sabha, marking a unique interfaith collaboration. Locals from Kalmady, Kemmannu, and Kallianpur also took part.

To promote eco-friendliness, participants were asked to bring reusable bags for carrying vegetables.Ramappa Saliyan, office-bearer of the Sarva Dharma Samanvaya Committee, said, “The organic fair was excellently organised, spreading awareness about healthy produce and inspiring parishioners to grow vegetables at home. Plans are being made to hold a larger fair in the future to support local vendors.”Siraj Malpe, office-bearer of the Committee, said, “The Monthi Fest vegetable market fair received a great response and serves as a model for others. Such initiatives can motivate youth, who are moving away from farming, to return to agriculture and promote organic cultivation in today’s chemical-dependent times.”